Volume 3 Issue 23

Halachically Speaking

Volume 3 Issue 23 Compiled by Moishe Dovid Lebovits Reviewed by Rabbi Benzion Schiffenbauer Shlita Halachos of Fast Days All Piskei Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita are reviewed by Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita

Many people feel that a fast day is a day to sleep broke the luchos when he came down from Har and relax. However, a fast day is really a time for Sinai and saw the eigel 6 2. The karbon tamid was retrospecting and doing teshuva . Many different no longer brought in the first bais hamikdosh . 3. halachos are discussed in the Shulchan Aruch and The destruction of the second bais hamikdosh the poskim regarding different questions that come started. 4. Apostumos burnt the Torah 5. A tzelem up on a fast day. These halachos will be discussed was placed in the heichel .7 On Tisha B’av the in detail below. following tragedies happened: 1. Klal Yisroel were told they were not going into Eretz Yisroel because It is a mitzvah d’rabanan to fast on a yom tzara .1 they wept in vain after hearing the evil report of the Chazal have said that on four days out of the year meraglim . 2. The first and second bais hamikdosh we have to fast because of tragic occurrences that were destroyed. 3. Beitar , which was home to happened to the yidin . These four fasts are the thousands of Jews, was captured by the Romans. 4. seventeenth day of Tamuz , the ninth of Av , the fast Turnisrupos surrounded the heichel .8 On the third of Gedalya , and the tenth day of Teves .2 day of Tishrei :9 Gedalaya , who was the governor of Yerushalayim , was killed, and all the Jews of The main focus of a fast day is to do teshuva 3 by Yerushalayim were exiled or killed. 10 On the tenth thinking of ways to fix our past misdeeds. 4 Sitting day of Teves : Nevuchanetzar laid siege to idly and saying “when is this fast going to be over, Yerushalayim which marked the end for the city and so I can eat” is losing focus of the main point of the for the Bais Hamikdosh .11 fast day. 5

Occurrences

Five tragic occurrences happened on the 6 seventeenth day of Tamuz : 1. Moshe Rabbeinu Refer to sefer Hatodah pages 364-365. 7 Mishnah Mesechtas Taanis 26b, Rambam Hilchos Taanis 5:2, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 121:4, Aruch Ha’shulchan 549:3, 1 Refer to Zecharya 8:19, Rambam Hilchos Taanis 1:4, 5:4, see sefer Hatodah page 369, Birchos Avraham (Moadim) Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 121:1, Mishnah Berurah 549:1, Aruch pages 90-91. For other occureneces that happened on the Ha’shulchan 549:4. See Moadim V’zemanim 5:332. seventeenth of Tamuz see sefer Hatodah page 369:32. 2 Rambam Hilchos Taanis 5:2, Mishnah Berurah ibid. 8 Mishnah Mesechtas Taanis 26b, Rambam Hilchos Taanis 3 Mesechtas Taanis 16a, Rambam Hilchos Taanis 1:2, 5:1, 5:3, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 121:5. Magen Avraham 549:1, Machtzis Ha’shekel 1, Be’er Heitiv 9 Some say that he died on the first day of Tishrei , and others 549:2, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 121:1. A taanis should bring say he died on the third day of Tishrei (sefer Hatodah pages one to humility (Kad Ha’kemach Taanis page 443). 197-198). 4 Mishnah Berurah ibid. 10 Rambam Hilchos Taanis 5:2, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 121:2. 5 Mishnah Berurah ibid. Refer to Kad Hakemach (Taanis). 11 Rambam Hilchos Taanis 5:2, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 121:3.

Halachos of Fast Days 1 Halachically Speaking

Who’s obligated to fast? unless they feel weakened. 22 A woman, who does Both men and women are obligated to fast on a fast not want to fast for whatever reason should discuss day, and one should not be poretz geder .12 her situation with a Rav .

A pregnant or nursing woman who is in pain 13 does Children not have to fast. 14 In regard to this halacha a The custom is that boys under thirteen and girls pregnant woman is someone who one can tell is under twelve do not have to fast. 23 (This does not carrying a child in her womb. 15 Some say after forty apply to Tisha B’av and Yom Kippur ). 24 Although days of pregnancy a woman is considered pregnant others say after a boy or girl is nine they should be for this halacha .16 Less than this amount of time she trained to fast a little, 25 the custom is not like this. 26 is only exempt if she is in a lot of pain. 17 Some say Many boys have the custom to fast three fasts a woman who can nurse does not have to fast for before they become bar-mitzvah . However, Horav twenty four months even if she does not actually Shlomo Zalman Aurbach zt”l maintains that this nurse. 18 A woman who is within thirty days of minhag does not have a source. 27 Some say when giving birth does not have to fast. 19 These children do not fast they should only eat the amount aforementioned halachos do not apply to Tisha of food they need, and should not eat a lot of food B’av and Yom Kippur 20 etc. 28 However, the custom seems to be not like this. 29 Many people think that women are exempt even if they do not fall under any of the above categories A sick person does not fast on a fast day. 30 If a (i.e. they are not pregnant or nursing). 21 However, it doctor tells someone that he may not fast, then al pi is highly questionable and women should fast halacha that person may not fast. This may apply to an older man. 31 One who eats on a fast day (because

12 Refer to Rambam Hilchos Taanis 1:4, Shulchan Aruch 22 Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita, see Siddur Yaavetz 2:page 550:1, Levush 550:1, Magen Avraham 550:1, Chai Adom 202, Aruch Ha’shulchan 550:1, Yeishiv Moshe pages 165- 133:6, Mishnah Berurah 550:1, Aruch Ha’shulchan 459:5, see 166, Ohr L’tzyion 3:25:footnote 7. The E’ven Yisroel 9:62:7 ibid 1, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 121:11, Yabea Omer O.C. says a woman who is taking care of her children does not have 2:28:11, Teshuvos V’hanhugos 4:121. to fast the three fasts, but this does not apply to Tisha B’av or 13 Some say today, women who are pregnant or nursing do not Yom Kippur . fast whether they are in pain or not (Yechaveh Da’as 1:35). 23 Elya Rabbah 7, Biur Halacha “hakol,” Chanoch L’nar 14 Rama 550:1, Shulchan Aruch 554:5, Pri Megadim Eishel 21:footnote 9, Birur Halacha 3:page 294, Halichos Shlomo Avraham 550:1, Aruch Ha’shulchan 3, Vayivorech Dovid Moadim 2:page 398:3. Refer to Chuchmas Adom 152:17. This 1:63. This means they do not have to start fasting, and then is even if they do not have the mature signs of a 12 year old stop if they cannot do it, but they should estimate before the for a girl and a 13 year old for a boy (Biur Halacha ibid, Be’er fast if she will be in pain (Orchos Chaim Spinka 550:3). Moshe 8:96, Shevet Ha’Levi 6:122:2). 15 M’or V’ketziah 550:page 147, Moed Lechol Chai 9:14, 24 Levush 550:1, Pri Megadim Eishel Avraham 550:1. Mishnah Berurah 550:3, Aruch Ha’shulchan 5. 25 Be’er Moshe 8:95, see Kaf Ha’chaim 554:23. It would seem 16 Mishnah Berurah ibid, Aruch Ha’shulchan ibid. that a canteen or soda machine may be opened in camp etc for 17 Mishnah Berurah ibid, Aruch Ha’shulchan ibid. those boys who are not fasting (Refer to Be’er Moshe ibid). 18 Da’as Torah 550, see Yechaveh Da’as 1:35, Avnei Yushfei The same applies to a store (Shevet Ha’kehusi 4:155:1). 1:115. Refer to Ohr L’tzyion 3:25:7 who argues. 26 Chai Adom 133:6. 19 Eishel Avraham Butchatch 550:1, Orchos Chaim (Spinka) 27 Halichos Shlomo Moadim 2:page 399:footnote 11. Refer to 550:4, Ohr L’tzyion 3:25:7. Chinuch Yisroel 1:page 230 (new), see ibid:pages 230-232 in 20 Shulchan Aruch 554:5, Aruch Ha’shulchan 7. depth. 21 Refer to Besamim Rosh 91. Some say if a lady is able to 28 Refer to Magen Avraham 2, Chai Adom ibid, Mishnah still give birth even if she is not pregnant she does not have to Berurah 5, Aruch Ha’shulchan 9, Kaf Ha’chaim 8, Moadim fast (Derech Tzadikim 5:44:footnote 11:page 14, Tzvi V’zemanim 8:333. L’tiferes 48, see Teshuvos V’hanhugos 4:126). However, this 29 Halichos Shlomo Moadim 2:page 398:footnote 10. Refer to is not to be relied upon l’maseh (Refer to Minhag Yisroel Birchei Yosef 549:1. Torah 3:page 30, Piskei Teshuvos 550:footnote 5). Some say 30 Mishnah Berurah 550:4, Aruch Ha’shulchan 550:6, women are weak so the minhag is that they do not fast Teshuvos V’hanhugos 4:123. (Halichos Shlomo Moadim 2:page 401:footnote 16, Halichos 31 Nishmas Avraham 1:550:2, Halichos Shlomo Moadim U’minhagei Ben Hametzurim page 16:footnote 9). 2:13:4.

Halachos of Fast Days 2 Halachically Speaking he does not feel well or the doctor told him to) fast as the time of the place of his departure; 41 the should eat in a private manner since people do not halacha follows the fist opinion. know why he is eating and may think he is not careful with fasting. 32 Preparing for a Fast Day Some say a bal nefesh should start fasting the night When does the Fast Begin? before the fast just as is done before Tisha B’av and The fast begins sevnty-two minutes before sunrise, Yom Kippur . 42 However, the minhag is to be at alos hashachar ,33 and the fast ends at tzeis lenient. 43 hachochavim .34 On a fast day, forty-five minutes after shekia is relied upon for the time of tzeis One should drink plenty of liquids before a fast. 44 hachochavim .35 One who is having trouble fasting Before a fast one should avoid eating salty foods, may be lenient and start eating forty-one minutes and should make sure to eat starches because they after shekia .36 Some poskim say one who normally make a person feel full for a long time. holds that tzeis hachochavim is seventy-two minutes after shekia (like the opinion of Rabbeinu Tam ), can Some say one should avoid eating too much food still be lenient on a fast day, and break his fast after before a fast, because then the fast would not be felt fifty minutes, 37 while others say that he should wait since one is full from eating. 45 until seventy-two minutes. 38 One is permitted to take caffeine suppositories One who is flying on a fast day and lands in a before a fast to avoid getting caffeine related location where the fast is not yet over must wait headaches during the fast. 46 Some poskim permit until the fast ends at the place where he is now even them to be taken on the fast day itself. 47 though the fast already ended in the place of departure. 39 The same is true the opposite way. 40 There used to be a custom that on the Shabbos Although others say in the first situation that no before a fast day the shamash would announce in additional fasting is required and one can end his shul what day there will be a fast. This announcement was not made before Tisha B’av and Yom Kippur .48 However, this custom is not practiced anymore. 49 32 Matei Ephraim 602:22, Sharei Ephraim 1:10, Minchas Elazar 3:3, Teshuvos V’hanhugos 2:265, Minhag Yisroel Eating before the Fast Torah 550:page 31, Natei Gavriel (Bein Hametzurim) 1:page Before discussing the halachos of eating before a 64:footnote 22. 33 Shulchan Aruch 564:1. Refer to Yisroel V’hazemanim fast, it is important to review the halachos of eating 46:page 570. before davening in general. 34 Mordechai Taanis 631, Shulchan Aruch 562:1. 35 Refer to Igros Moshe O.C. 4:62. 36 The prohibition of eating and drinking before Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita, see Igros Moshe O.C. 4:62, davening starts from one half-hour before alos Modanei Yeshurin page 115:footnote 7. Some are of the opinion if a 13 year-old boy or a 12 year-old girl are having trouble fasting (not on Tisha B’av or Yom Kippur) they may break their fast a half-hour after tzeis hachochavim (Natei 41 Shevet Ha’Levi 8:261:2. Refer to Teshuvos V’hanhugos Gavriel Ben Hametzurim Teshuvos 2:pages 613-617). 4:122. 37 Shearim Metzuyanim B’halacha 123:4, Natei Gavriel (Ben 42 Refer to Shar Ha’tzyion 550:8-9. Hametzurim) page 57. 43 Mishnah Berurah 7. 38 Yisroel V’hazemanim 1:pages 573-578, Natei Gavriel 44 Natei Gavriel ibid 1:page 52. Ibid:page 58. Some say one can wait until 60 minutes after 45 Elya Rabbah 563:1, Kaf Ha’chaim 549:11. Some say to shekia if he can’t hold out until seventy-two minutes (Divrei avoid meat and wine before a fast (Kaf Ha’chaim 564:12). Yatziv 230). 46 Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita, see Derech Sicha page 380. 39 Igros Moshe O.C. 3:96, Modanei Yeshurin page 109, 47 Maharsham 1:123:page 178, Chelkes Yaakov 2:83, V’lechitcha B’derech page 59:1. Refer to Yisroel Contemporary Halakhic Problems 2:page 26. V’hazemanim 1:pages 578-580. 48 Shulchan Aruch 550:4. 40 Ibid. 49 Yufei Leleiv 2:550:4.

Halachos of Fast Days 3 Halachically Speaking hashachar .50 Some are of the opinion that one drink something upon awakening. 61 According to should not eat from after chatzos 51 (unless doing so this opinion one who would normally drink coffee is necessary for tefilla ), 52 although drinking is would be permitted to have a coffee etc before a fast permitted until alos hashachar .53 The minhag is that even without a condition. 62 However, one who does one may eat after chatzos .54 One who wants to eat not normally drink when awakening would require within the half-hour before alos hashachar should a condition before being permitted to drink. 63 not eat more than a k’beitzah (less than 2.2 .o.z) of L’maseh , one who is not used to drinking and did bread or mezonos . Eating fruit or drinking is not make a condition that he wants to drink may permitted. 55 A woman may even eat bread or still drink anyway. 64 mezonos within the half-hour before alos hashachar .56 Once alos hashachar arrives one may It is very common for one to get up in the morning generally not eat, drink, or return to sleep until after before a fast day and eat or drink something. davening . However, the question arises how is it possible to go back to sleep since the time for tefilla starts from Within these guidelines one is permitted to eat or alos hashachar , one should be obligated to daven drink the night before a fast (until alos hashachar ) shacharis before returning to sleep because we are as long as he has not slept a shenas keva .57 One who concerned he may sleep through the zeman of has slept a shenas keva may not eat or drink (even shacharis ? before the fast begins) unless he made a t’nai before going to sleep. 58 Some say this condition should be One who has a shomer to wake him up is permitted made verbally, 59 while others say it is sufficient if to go back to sleep before davening .65 Some say an one thinks it in his head before going to sleep that alarm clock is not considered a shomer since one he does not want the fast to start with his sleeping. usually shuts it off when it rings without getting out The reason why a condition helps is because it is of bed. 66 However, one who normally gets out of like saying that one is not yet accepting the fast bed when the alarm clock goes off may use it as a upon himself. 60 Some say one does not need a shomer .67 Going back to sleep is permitted even condition to permit drinking since people usually without any shomer if one finishes eating (and goes 68 back to sleep) before alos hashachar has arrived. 50 Refer to Shulchan Aruch 89:5, Mishnah Berurah 27, Shar Ha’tzyion 33, Biur Halacha “vim,” Ishei Yisroel 13:footnote 71, Orchos Rabbeinu 2:page 162:4. If you started drinking or eating before or after this time, one must stop by alos hashachar ( poskim ibid). Refer to Betzel Hachuchma 3:52 in regard to the morning of a fast day whether one must stop 61 Tur ibid, Rama 1, Elya Rabbah 2, Mishnah Berurah 5, before the half hour prior to alos hashachar . Aruch Ha’shulchan 2. This is true even if one does not 51 Magen Avraham 14 quoting a Zohar, see Yabea Omer O.C. actually get up at this time every night (Piskei Teshuvos 5:22:5. 564:footnote 12). 52 Machtzis Ha’shekel 14, Kaf Ha’chaim 41, Mishnah Berurah 62 Some say one would only be allowed water, but this is not 28. the case l’maseh (Refer to Be’er Heitiv 4, Kaf Ha’chaim 8). 53 Be’er Heitv 15, Mishnah Berurah ibid, Yalkut Yosef pages 63 Rama 1, Magen Avraham 3, Be’er Heitiv 5. Many hold that 147-148. a condition should initially be made before one wants to drink 54 Aruch Ha’shulchan 26, Heishiv Moshe 6, Yalkut Yosef ibid, in the morning (Bais Yosef, Bach, Shulchan Aruch 564:1, Yabea Omer ibid, Minhag Yisroel Torah 1:page 131, Orchos Levush 1). Rabbeinu 2:page 162:4. 64 Elya Rabbah 2, Mishnah Berurah 6, Shar Ha’tzyion 7, Kaf 55 Refer to Mishnah Berurah 89:27, Teshuvos V’hanhugos Ha’chaim 10. 2:254, 4:125, Piskei Teshuvos 564:1, Weekly Halacha 65 Binyan Olom 1:1, Mishnah Berurah 235:18. Refer to Divrei Discussion page 419. Yatziv 1:102 if a phone call to wake you up or to remind you 56 Nishmas Avraham 1:page 55, Halichos Shlomo Tefilla to do a mitzvah a shomer suffices. 2:3:footnote 9. 66 Halichos Shlomo Tefilla 2:12, Shevus Yitzchok 2:page 287, 57 Mesechtas Taanis 12a, Tur 564, Shulchan Aruch 564:1. see Chut Shuni Shabbos 1:page 215. 58 Tur ibid, Shulchan Aruch ibid. 67 Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita, see Lekach Ha’kemach 59 Teshuvos V’hanhugos 4:125. Hachodesh 89:66, Doleh U’mashka page 138. 60 G’ra, Mishanh Berurah 4. 68 Refer to Dinim V’hanhugos Chazzon Ish 4:13.

Halachos of Fast Days 4 Halachically Speaking

Enuyim opinion, children may be lenient and take a Some poskim say that just as one refrains from shower. 77 According to all opinions washing ones washing his body, doing sicha , and wearing shoes face, hands and feet is permitted even with hot on Tisha B’av and Yom Kippur , a bal nefesh should water. 78 do the same for other fast days. 69 However, many poskim maintain that even a bal nefesh does not Similarly while swimming is theoretically permitted have to do this on a regular fast day. 70 on a fast day, the poskim say the minhag is that doing so is forbidden because it is done for Fast Day Activities enjoyment purposes. 79 The same is true for One should be careful to control his anger on a fast swimming in a river. 80 One can be lenient for day. 71 children. 81 Swimming is permitted the night before a fast. 82 The reason is because swimming should One should not take brisk walks on a fast day really be permitted, but we are stringent, however because he will have to drink water. 72 we are not stringent the night before the fast. 83 Taking swimming lessons on a fast day is Showering / Swimming permitted. 84 Additionally, sunbathing is permitted According to some poskim showering with hot on a fast day. 85 water is permitted on a fast day (except for Tisha B’av and Yom Kippur ), but one should only do so if Music he is very dirty or sweaty 73 and uncomfortable. 74 Some poskim say that one is not allowed to listen to However, most poskim say that washing music on a fast day. 86 (showering) with hot water is forbidden. 75 Nonetheless, showering is permitted the night Haircuts before a fast. 76 Even according to the more stringent Some poskim say that haircuts are not permitted on a fast day, 87 while others say one can be lenient. 88 L’maseh one should avoid taking a haircut on a fast day. 69 Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita, see Magen Avraham 3, Be’er Heitiv 2, Pri Megadim Eishel Avraham 3, Eishel Avraham Butchatch, Chai Adom 133:7, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 121:8, Tasting food on a Fast Day Mishnah Berurah 6, Kaf Ha’chaim 10, Lekutei Maharich The opinion of the Rama 89 is that one is not allowed 3:page 583 (new), Halichos Shlomo Moadim 2:13:2:footnote to place food in his mouth on a fast day even if he 8. 70 Refer to Shulchan Aruch 550:2, Aruch Ha’shulchan 2, Maharshag 2:34:page 47, Kesav Sofer O.C. 100, Doleh 77 Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita. U’mashka page 207. It is interesting to point out that the 78 Shar Ha’tzyion 8, Kaf Ha’chaim 13, whole source for the stringency is a Shlah (Mesechtas Taanis 79 Be’er Moshe 3:77, Rivevos Ephraim 1:363:1, 3:368. Refer page 90 new print) and if one looks at the Shlah he says one to Biur Halacha 551:2 “m’rosh chodesh.” See Da’as Torah does not have to be machmir in the above, but if he does it is 551:page 87 who says the Biur Halacha is a mistake in print good for him. The poskim who quote the Shlah do not quote (Refer to Shoneh Halachos 551:38). him to say this, rather they say he mentions a bal nefesh 80 Be’er Moshe 3:77. should be stringent. 81 Natei Gavriel ibid:8:footnote 12. 71 Be’er Heitiv 568:22, Kaf Ha’chaim 549:11. 82 Opinion of Horav Moshe Feinstein zt”l quoted in Modanei 72 Halichos Shlomo Moadim 2:13:footnote 18. Yeshurin 1:page 108. 73 Aruch Ha’shulchan 3. 83 Modanei Yeshurin 1:page 108:footnote 27. 74 Diyunei Halachos pages 565-569. 84 Diyunei Halachos ibid. 75 Tosfas Mesechtas Taanis 13a “v’chol,” Pri Megadim Eishel 85 Opinion of Horav Moshe Feinstein z”tl quoted in Modanei Avraham 1, Shar Ha’tzyion 8, Aruch Ha’shulchan 3, Modanei Yeshurin 1:page 108. Yeshurin 1:page 108, see Levush 550:2, Elya Rabbah 2, 86 Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:1, Diyunei Halachos ibid, E’ven Levushei Serad 3, Ateres Zekanim 550. If asara b’teves alls Yisroel 7:28:page 66. Refer to Avnei Yushfei 5:33:8. out on Erev Shabbos one is permitted to shower because of 87 Turei E’ven Mesechtas Rosh Hashanah 18b, Shevet honor to Shabbos (Mishnah Berurah 550:6, Modanei Yeshurin Ha’kehusi 1:181. 1:page 108). 88 Diyunei Halachos ibid, Chut Shuni Shabbos 4:page 381. 76 Kovetz Yemei Ben Hametzurim pages 91-92. 89 567:1.

Halachos of Fast Days 5 Halachically Speaking will immediately spit it out. This is common when fast day, unless he stands straight up to make sure one is preparing food for after the fast and wants to that no water gets in his throat. taste it to see if it needs more spices. 90 The opinion There is a discussion in the poskim if one is allowed of the Shulchan Aruch 91 is that tasting is permitted, to use mouthwash on the morning of a fast day. but not on Tisha B’av or Yom Kippur . Some say only tasting less than a reviis is permitted at one Some poskim are stringent, 104 while others say if time, 92 while others say tasting even more than a one will have very bad breath then it is permitted.105 reviis is permitted if one knows he will not swallow anything. 93 The reason why tasting is permitted is It is very important to point out that many people because it is not considered eating. 94 Some say are unaware that most mouthwashes are not kosher. according to the lenient view one would be able to The only mouthwash which is permitted to use taste a reviis each time he wants to taste a food. 95 without a hechsher is the brown (original flavor) L’maseh for Ashkenazim one may only taste food if Listerine®. The reason is because all mouthwashes it is being prepared for a seudas mitzvah after the contain glycerin which is the ingredient that gives fast, and even then one should only taste a little bit the taste. Fifty-percent of all glycerin is not kosher and then spit it out. 96 Others say the custom is that a and without a hechsher one cannot tell if the woman who is cooking may taste the food to see if mouthwash contains kosher glycerin or not. The it needs more salt or spices as long as she argument made by some that since one does not immediately spits it out. 97 swallow mouthwash, placing it in the mouth should be permitted is questionable. 106 Taking Listerine Washing one’s Mouth pocket packs® (that have a hechsher ) is not One who normally washes out his mouth with water permitted on a fast day since one swallows the in the morning 98 may do so on a fast day. 99 liquid which melts in the mouth. (All year-round a However, the Mishnah Berurah 100 says doing so is shehakol should be recited on them. Many people only permitted if one is in pain. This is true even on are un-aware of this and they should be told). 107 Tisha B’av if one is in a lot of pain, but on Yom Kippur it is forbidden. 101 One who is washing out One is permitted to chew unflavored gum on a fast his mouth should be careful to bend his head day. 108 However since such gum is not commonly forward to avoid swallowing any water. 102 The sold today, chewing gum on a fast day is not Aruch Ha’shulchan 103 says one who normally permitted. 109 gargles when washing his mouth may not do so on a Dentist Appointment One is permitted to go to a dentist on a fast day (even if he will swallows water) since it is for 90 Magen Avraham 1, Elya Rabbah 1, Mishnah Berurah 1. 91 Ibid, Levush 1. 92 Shulchan Aruch ibid. 93 Shulchan Aruch ibid. 94 Magen Avraham 1, see Levush 1. 104 Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita, see Kinyan Torah 2:49:2, 95 Magen Avraham 5, Pri Megadim Eishel Avraham 4, Elya Modanei Yeshurin page 108, Chai Ha’Levi 5:48, Divrei Rabbah 2. See Mishnah Berurah 8-9. Chachumim page 166:471 quoting the opinion of Horav 96 Chai Adom 132:19, Mishnah Berurah 6, Kaf Ha’chaim 10. Sheinberg Shlita. Some say if there is a need, brushing ones 97 Aruch Ha’shulchan 2. teeth is permitted (Divrei Chachumim Ibid). 98 Other liquids are forbidden if it is more than a reviis 105 Be’er Moshe 8:94. Refer to Minchas Yitzchok 4:109. (Mishnah Berurah 12). 106 Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita. 99 Shulchan Aruch 567:3, Levush 2. Refer to Magen Avraham 107 Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita. 7-8. 108 Habayis Hayehudi 2:page 320:14. 100 567:11. Also see Chai Adom 132:20. 109 Yaskil Avdi 8:20:54, Miyum Ha’halacha 1:8. In regard to 101 Mishnah Berurah 11. smoking on a fast day Refer to Be’er Heitiv 8, Sharei Teshuva 102 Mishnah Berurah 11, Aruch Ha’shulchan 3. 511:5, Yabea Omer O.C. 1:33, Yechaveh Da’as 5:39, Yalkut 103 567:3. Yosef 5:page 535, Orchos Chaim (Spinka) 567:5.

Halachos of Fast Days 6 Halachically Speaking refuah purposes. 110 However, unless one is in real Touching Food pain he should avoid going to a dentist on a fast There is a discussion in the poskim whether it is day. 111 permitted to touch food on a fast day since one may come to eat the food. Giving a child food on a fast Swallowing Saliva day is permitted. 120 On Yom Kippur one who is not According to many poskim one is permitted to feeding a child should refrain from touching swallow his salivaon a fast day (even on Yom food. 121 The minhag is to be lenient in this regard Kippur ). The reason why it is permitted is because on other fast days. 122 one does not have any intention for it to be food etc. 112 Although other poskim say one should spit it Recited a Beracha on Food out if possible (especially on Yom Kippur ), 113 this is Some times it can happen that one forgets that it is a not the overwhelming custom. Some say if one ate fast day and recites a beracha over a food or drink food before a fast and the taste of the food is still in and before putting the food in his mouth realizes his mouth after the fast started then one should not that it is a fast day. The question arises if it is better swallow his saliva until the taste of the food has to eat a little bit to avoid an unnecessary beracha or diminished. 114 should one just say boruch shem ?

Taking Pills This question is a matter of dispute among many On a fast day one who is not feeling well and wants poskim ; some say to eat a little bit 123 while others to take a pill is permitted to do so. Some say one say to say boruch shem … and not eat or drink. 124 should wrap the pill in a tissue before swallowing One who said borcuh ata Hashem etc should end it. 115 Some poskim say that one may not use water off with lamdanei chukeicha .125 The reason for to swallow a pill. 116 (However, if one’s doctor those who say to eat is because they hold a beracha instructs him to take a pill on a fast day then even l’vatala is a d’oraisa which is more important to according to this opinion using a little water is avoid then not eating on a fast day which is permitted). 117 Others say if one cannot take a pill d’rabanan in nature. Others say to say boruch shem without water then one may use a little water. 118 because they hold saying a beracha l’vatala is One should avoid this if possible on Tisha B’av , and d’rabanan .126 Horav Avrohom Pam zt”l 127 said one on Yom Kippur using water in order to swallow a can do whichever way one wants. However, as a pill is forbidden. 119 matter of halacha l’maseh one should taste the food and then spit it out. 128

110 Halichos Shlomo Moadim 2:page 398:foonnote 4. Others say one should not swallow the water (Miyum Ha’halacha 1:80). 120 Shulchan Aruch 612:10, Ben Ish Chai Vayeilech 1:16, 111 Refer to Weekly Halacha Discussion page 421. Shulchan Aruch Harav 611:9, Mishnah Berurah 32. 112 Magen Avraham 567:8, Eishel Avraham Butchatch, 121 Matei Ephraim 612:10, Kaf Ha’chaim 55. Mishnah Berurah 13, Aruch Ha’shulchan 9, Kaf Ha’chaim 20, 122 Pri Megadim M.Z, 612, see Da’as Torah 549:11 who is Natei Gavriel (Ben Hametzurim) 1:page 55:footnote 9. stringent. 113 Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 121:10, Matei Ephraim 612:7, 123 Birchos Habayis 19:5, Yabea Omer Y.D. 2:5, Shemiras Moadim V’zemanim 1:59. One who is swallowing saliva to Shabbos K’hilchoso 59:20. make his fast easier should not do so on Yom Kippur (Ibid). 124 Sharei Teshuva 568:1, Yugel Yaakov 67, Sdei Chemed 114 Elya Rabbah 567:6. Baser B’chalav 12:page 290, Shevet Sofer O.C. 25, Da’as 115 Halichos Shlomo Moadim 2:13:footnote 8. Torah 568, Kaf Ha’chaim 568:16, Birur Halacha 568, 116 Nishmas Avraham 550:4. Teshuvos V’hanhugos 1:329, Avnei Yushfei 3:30. 117 Nishmas Avraham 5:page 46. 125 Aruch Ha’shulchan 568:8. 118 Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita, see Teshuvos V’hanhugos 126 Mishnah Berurah 215:20. 3:156. 127 Heard from Horav Leibel Wulliger Shlita (Rosh Kollel 119 Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita, see Teshuvos V’hanhugos Torah Vodas). 3:156. 128 Teshuvos V’hanhugos 1:329,

Halachos of Fast Days 7 Halachically Speaking

Ate by Mistake B’dieved if one did not move his feet when One who ate on a fast should still continue to finishing shemonei esrei he may recite fast. 129 aneinu at that time. 138

Selected Halachos of Reciting Aneinu One who stepped back from davening The custom of the Ashkenazim is that aneinu is shemonei esrei does not say aneinu .139 recited at Mincha on a fast day during the beracha of sh’omea tefilla (not for the ba’al tefilla ). 130 On One who said ha’oneh be’es tzara instead of ending off the beracha of shom’ea tefilla and realized his the day of a fast some people write down in their siddur that they should recite aneinu today during mistake after toch k’dei dibur should recite the the shemonei esrei of mincha .131 One who is not entire shema koleinu again. 140 If the mistake was fasting does not recite aneinu .132 One who eats right realized before toch k’dei dibur one only needs to before mincha should still recite aneinu at repeat the words of shom’ea tefilla (the last words instead of the beracha ). 141 If one already finished shemonei ” ביוזהתעניתנו “ mincha 133 but he should say of the regular nusach .134 One who davens by esrei , he must start again from the beginning of himself also recites aneinu .135 shemonei esrei .142

Mistakes in Aneinu Bal Koreh / Aliyah if not fasting One who did not recite aneinu in shom’ea tefilla If there is no other person who can lain then one may still say it in any of the following cases: may ask a person who is not fasting to lain .143 Others say he should not be a ba’al koreh .144 It One who did not start boruch ata ... of would seem that one who is not fasting may not shom’ea tefilla may recite aneinu at that receive an aliyah if it is not a day that laining is point. 136 taking place anyways (Monday or Thursday). 145 According to all opinions if one who is not fasting One who said boruch ata already may was called up to the Torah he may still go for the recite aneinu after the second yehi ratzon of aliyah .146 elokay netzor .137

129 Mishnah Berurah 549:3. 130 Shulchan Aruch 119:4, 566:1, Mishnah Berurah 557:3. 131 Mishnah Berurah 96:8. 138 Shar Ha’tzyion 6. 132 Biur Halacha “ben,” Shevet Ha’Levi 5:60:4:page 61, 139 Shulchan Aruch 565:2, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 19:14. Halichos Shlomo Moadim 2:page 402:footnote 25. 140 Rivevos Ephraim 1:390, see Ishei Yisroel page 785:353. 133 Mishnah Berurah 562:6-7, 568:3, Shevet Ha’Levi 5:60:4, 141 Opinion of Horav Moshe Feinstein zt”l quoted in Modanei see Shevet Ha’kehusi 1:180:1, Teshuvos V’hanhugos 1:328. Yeshruin page 111, Shevet Ha’Levi 8:132, Rivevos Ephraim 134 Mishnah Berurah 562:25. Refer to Halichos Shlomo 1:390, Ishei Yisroel 44:10. Moadim 2:13:8 for a slightly different nusach . 142 Ishei Yisroel 44:10. 135 Rama 565:3, Mishnah Berurah 10. The same is true for 143 Matei Ephraim 602:12, see Levushei Mordechai 2:23, reciting oveinu malkeinu (Opinion of Horav Moshe Feinstein Divrei Yatziv 2:247, Modanei Yeshurin page 113:footnote zt”l quoted in Modanei Yeshurin page 112:footnote 94). 111 quoting Horav Moshe Feinstein zt”l. 136 Shegias Mi Yoven 2:59. 144 Refer to Piskei Teshuva 294:page 50, Be’er Moshe 3:29:1, 137 Refer to Shulchan Aruch 565:2, Pri Megadim M.Z. 566:2, Bais Avi 2:27, Piskei Teshuvos 294:page 50. Chai Adom 24:18, 29:5, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 19:14, 145 Sharei Ephraim 1:10, Aruch Ha’shulchan 566:11, Rivevos Mishnah Berurah 6-7, Aruch Ha’shulchan 565:3, Kaf Ephraim 3:338:2, see Aruch Ha’shulchan 135:14, Sharei Ha’chaim 119:28, see Rivevos Ephraim 1:390, Birur Halacha Rachamim 8:24, Chai Ha’Levi 4:15:2. The Halichos Shlomo 2:199:19, Shegias Mi Yoven 2:59:page 311:footnote 5 in Moadim 2:13:footnote 10 says if one ate a small shiur of food depth if it should be said after the first yihi ratzon or after the he may still receive an aliyah on a fast day. second. 146 Mishnah Berurah 566:20.

Halachos of Fast Days 8 Halachically Speaking

Hagbah-Gelilah if not fasting One who is not fasting may receive hagbah or gelilah on a fast day. 147

Pesukim by Aliyah Both the ba’al koreh 148 and the one who got the aliyah should wait until after the tzibur finishes saying the pesukim before saying the pesukim themselves. 149

147 Sharei Ephraim 1:12, Matei Ephraim 602:15. The Aruch Ha’shulchan 135:14 is stringent. 148 Some say the ba’al koreh does not recite the pesukim (Shevet Ha’kehusi 4:157). 149 Sharei Ephraim 8:107, Mishnah Berurah 566:3.

Halachos of Fast Days 9 Halachically Speaking

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Halachos of Fast Days 10